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California Volleyball Names 2009 Team Captains

BERKELEY - The California volleyball team has named its team captains for the 2009 season, head coach Rich Feller announced today. The Golden Bears will benefit from the leadership of four upperclassmen this year with a trio of seniors each taking a co-captain role along with junior setter Carli Lloyd. Outside hitter Hana Cutura, middle hitter Mindi Wiley, and libero Kristen Kathan were each named senior co-captains. Cal opened fall camp on Aug. 10 with the team in the midst of two-a-day practices.

'I am really excited about the leadership that we have seen from these four players,' said Feller. 'They have each shown poise and great ability throughout their careers and solidified their worth as captains during spring volleyball.'

Two of the Bears' captains are returning All-Americans from a year ago including two-time selection Cutura. Lloyd received second-team All-America honors and All-Pac-10 recognition a year ago. Cal also brings back plenty of firepower via starting middle Wiley and two 2008 Pac-10 All-Freshman selections in sophomores Tarah Murrey and Shannon Hawari. The Bears posted the best record in school history a year ago finishing with a 26-7 overall record and advancing to the NCAA Regional Final for the second year in a row.

'The team has responded incredibly well to the early physical tests and practices of camp,' added Feller. 'With the veterans we have and the level of play that comes with our incoming class, the prospects for the upcoming season are bright.'

For the first time under the guidance of Feller, the Bears will have four team captains.

'We all have different personalities and we all play different positions,' said Kathan. 'I think because we'll be able to lead our positions, it will allow our team to mesh together in a new way. We're expecting great things.'

Cal kicks off the 2009 season at the Nevada Marriott Courtyard/Fairfield Invitational in Reno, Nev. Aug. 28-30. For information about tickets to home matches, please visit www.CalBears.com.